Changes--

Off to Middle School...

Done with Freshman Year...

Wants to go to Camp for extended period...

Good visit at the store...

Blessings...

None of them give me lip....

Except for showing up at Baseball games in the 6th inning when oldest has been the starting pitcher and then he starts walking batters--I get blamed for showing up (but he had almost used up his pitch count and his arm was tired!) --they were up 10-3!
Can you believe he said it loud enough for all to hear--I've come to expect it...it's actually an ongoing joke---I always drift during baseball games and I have missed countless good plays and hits. So when I pay attention nothing happens--

Second game of the series--I was smart--stayed at Williamsport team practice with youngest, sent DH with camera to game--called for update--we were down 7-3 and oldest was back on the mound since the 2nd inning--holding the Yankees. Showed up and he was still pitching until the end of the game which was tied and then lost by 1 run!

Tonight is the final and I can relax--he's not pitching and neither are the 2 best on the other team--could be a great night! Hopefully DH comes home on time and we can be at the game and at youngest' s awards night at school. I'm seriously considering the cloning thing.

Relaxed watching the newest installment of Deadliest Catch--can't believe Sig passed off chest pains! Stubborn Norwegian! Can't believe the buildup of the coast guard calls either--not that I want anything to happen to these men, their crews or their boats. Can't believe I hooked the family into this obsession---

Gotta run--slug needs to get out of bed and to the orthodontist--here comes another lecture!

Call Me Crazy!

Didn't realize I would have certain jobs for life!

Being wife and mom suit me just fine for the life role! 29 years have flown since I met HULK and then married him 8 years later. It's been a fantastic ride and I would do it all over again. We usually have a lot of fun on this day--the kids even asked why the word Anniversary was on the calendar. They had a bet--Matthew won, even in his fevered state!


Fevered state, that's where I have been with him for the last 3 days! Could it be the swine flu? Don't know, but we've got no snorting or grunting like pigs going on here. (One of the English teachers at the HS actually had his class believing that if you coughed or sneezed and it was followed by a grunt--that was the swine flu at work! I though that was so funny.)

Other life jobs seem to include the future of Cub Scouting in Central Islip! The VBS life at church and coordinating the women's communion breakfast in the spring. It's great to be loved!

I think that's why when the house is quiet--I just want to veg and watch a good movie (uninterupted, of course!).

Gotta go finish unloading the dishwasher--never ending cycle of cook, clean, and put away!

Love to all.

MA-HE-TU on my Mind

It's almost time to go to camp. Laughter, sun, trees, and life-long friends. Who knows what trouble we'll find and get to laugh until we cry all over again.

Oh my..bikini girl just performed on Idol--what a hoot.

I'm getting kicked off the computer by oldest! He'll wait. I've made a gazillion trips to school the last few days--you name it the boys needed a ride at all different times--swim practice, NYSSMA band performances, NYSSMA choir performances, little league games, shopping for camp!

Camp is coming and it warms my heart--so does my upcoming anniversary tomorrow--21 years--and I still love my best friend and the camp romance still blooms!!!

Time to go watch Idol.

You Are Keeping Me Honest!

Hi Karen--

Saw you were poking around the blogs tonight--I should be sleeping but I've got a big red cat in my lap who is missing his sleeping buddy--DS1--who is enjoying Disney with his Concert Choir! He left on Wednesday evening and arrives home this Wednesday--then the tornado will be back!

House has been peaceful--DS2 is much quieter and doesn't have to constantly chatter--loves all that you do for him-big or small.

Me--I've been in battle with a Wii! Installed WiiFit 2 weeks ago--it told me I was 63! Today I was 40--I have been up and working out for 11 days straight--can't really believe it myself. Today I ran and ran--Love to put up the top scores, DS1 will be yelling when he sees! Not good at the avoiding the flying soccer balls--love dropping the marbles down the chutes! DS2 often catches me in the early morning as I finish the workout.

Haven't been on for awhile--been sleeping early or too occupied with projects--WIW at Camp looms and the women of our church took my Women's Communion Breakfast Idea and ran with it--need to finish planning a service.

DH has been home all week--got the deck all sealed for the season--DS2 had our complete attention at Little League games--we even had a date--went to see "Earth" on Thursday.

My oven died and was quickly resurrected by Mr. B! Works better than ever--roasted wings tonight at DS2's request--MMMmmm good!

So keep checking, I'll try to be better with the posting--

Create a Book!

OK! the three sisters want to journal their daily habits--what makes us binge on certain things or not, what motivates us to get into shape or not--Middle sister thinks we could write a book and be on Oprah--

Wrote a letter to Oprah once--its buried in with special treasures in my room somewhere--was one of the most theraputic things I ever did--write out how I survived childhood and was dealing with parenthood and the challenge to keep a child safe, happy and loved. Its been a life lesson--

Now with two kids--I don't think I've screwed them up too badly--Only their therapist will know sometime in the future--we all need a good one and Lord knows I've had some of the best! Love you all.

Spent the last day of vacation solving the last of car alignment issues on the van. It appeared to the master mechanic scoutmaster on the Gettysburg trip that my passenger side rear tire had wheel bearings running amok (Don't you love that word!) Had Peter going a little crazed--not calm when it comes to car issues. Took care to scoutmaster's house for a once over on the lift in his garage (so cool!) not a rattle--it was the rear vent window which has a busted motor and it doesn't seal right so it rattles--it also could have been the two loose and missing bolts from the reat latch that we discovered, because once we replaced the motor and the missing screws the rattle disappeared. Did need 2 new tires--took care of that and had tires rotated. Took car in for alignment--mechanic said I needed a $200 part! (Problem was he said it was the opposite side of the car) Heard my dad yelling--get the keys and get it out of there--which I did --angels speaking--took it back to scoutmaster and the neato lift and we did our own inspection--it was so much fun--couldn't find a bent rear control arm--they matched side to side and curve to curve and angle to angle--Park Row Auto just wanted to take my money and run! Bad business!
Today, had the van to an alignment specialist--my rear was perfect! The rim that was in the back now in the front has a small flat spot that could cause a vibration--put tire on the back--keep your eye on the tire--feel like this is a game--but it felt good to know that my instincts were right on and I have a trusted friendly mechanic who lets me watch and learn!

Time for bed--school starts early and everyone is out and in full swing.

To have Chocalate or Not?

For the last 3 days I have been making a effort to eat healthy--for me that's planned snacks, intentional veggies and small meals! No chocolate--No diet lime cola--no in between meal snacking , especially when cooking dinner! So far so good--My fridge even has a fresh supply of lettuce varieties, cut up carrors, fruit and its not going bad.

I have to tell you that today will be tough--Going to a funeral this morning--Dear friend, in fact he built the office unit I'm sitting at right now--Having issues with why God strikes down the good people--I was so sad when this family moved to Florida last year and elated when they returned in September and in the same 45 min was devasted when Scott told me he was diagnosed with ALS. Second one in our congregation in the last 3 years or so. Scott deteriorated quickly and lost his battle on Sunday. Peter is devastated--having a rough time dealing with this. DS1 asked to go to the wake after assuring us that Scott was pain free now and free. (Can't help but think that we did a great job in the accepting death department with the kids.) Why can't I be so accepting. Scott's family is doing OK--his son's Ice Hockey team arrived in force last night, his daughter wants to work at Camp Ma-He-Tu this summer and his wife is looking strong and loving that all have come to honor Scott. It'll be the quiet that will be hard--

Today will be tough in the avoiding the chocolate though--church luncheon after the funeral--we have some great cooks and bakers.--Maybe I'll make it --My DS2 is my current conscience--swimming 4 days a week and he feels good! He has even lost some and looks like his annual check-up may be good--take him back at the same weight or less than last year! So its a family affair--Although nights at the ballfield are looming--

Gotta run--DS2 has a pet sitting job before school and still needs a lunch and I need to get dressed!

My Conservative Side is Coming Out

Been getting some conservative blog messages lately and I have been having a good laugh! My dad is living on in me perhaps--the government is just too involved and the markets are a mess! Let business take care of business and our markets will be in favorable territory--

Look FORD is actually turning around and with out bail-out money! I never thought I would hype FORD, but they seem to have the right idea.

Sorry to all my liberal friends--I often ride the fence but I do have strong feelings about the size of government and how it should stay out of our lives!

My life--Swim Club 4 days a week and a good excuse to go out and walk the track with other swim club moms! Sure beats sitting on the butt for an hour and a half! Baseball play by play with Andrew--

Choir rehearsals -- many more as competition season looms--The Chin Chester Psalm is a buster of a piece and Andrew's choir has it down--not very pretty but they all had to learn how to sing in Hebrew--

Peter was home today--he went to the dentist and is now looking forward to losts more visits--hadn't gone in 2 years--enough said--He'll need a nap early!

Me--juggling scouts and work--know a good cubmaster--I'm in need

Matthew helped cook dinner--I played on facebook--not a bad deal-- need to find out how to make this a more unique blog--I'm playing ina world I'm not quite understanding.

Wandering In---

Just was on Give Me A Minute I'll think of something--saw the traffic watching Kristin's blog and discovered my pen-pal from Nebraska wandered in--My 2 best friends and I were in the same place, even though it was in this wierd wireless world--at the same time--

Been pen pals since the early 70's--been through the awkard teen years, moving away from home, finally meeting each other and sharing the heart ache and joy of relationships and sharing the trials and tribulations of motherhood. It's been a terrific journey most of it well documented in letters, photographs, now e-mails and blogging and facebook.

The 3 of us have evolved in the 30+ years we have known each other, the last time we were all together was on my wedding day almost 21 years ago--

What made us stick together--we are each unique and devoted to those we love. Passionate about life and finding the joy in it. We all shared tears and joys. I love wandering in to chat, to write, to laugh and to cry.

Nebraska is coming East this summer, maybe a trip north is in the summer plans for me--making a circle and re-connecting--

Now its getting late and I'm getting cold--need to sleep--need to be at the HS by 8 with oldest--made the HS baseball team--and youngest joined a swim club and swims 4 days a week--let the juggling begin--DH's vacation has ended and the picture hunt has not--they are still surfacing!

Till the next time I wander in--

This Teacher is a TV movie Waiting to be Made

Who can take about 60 regular everyday kids from a community with a rather rough reputation and turn them into a world class concert choir--John Anthony can.

This teacher and choir director expects and demands excellence from your regular kid and ones you might even deem rough around the edges. How does he do it.

The choir brings tears to your eyes because they are that good. John Anthony has dedicated his heart and soul to the efforts of our Central Islip Music Program.

In a world struggling to hear some good news, spend a few moments on Youtube at JohnAnthonty37 and you will have to have a warm place in your soul.

With the snow about to start--take a moment to warm up the spirit. Somewhere I will find a way to have this man honored by just more than our local community.

His demands on the kids are ones each teacher should make. Children will rise to our expectations so let us all set the bar a little higher and even those we deem on the lowest rung should rise to the top--We just have to think creatively and out of the box.

Sing praises and be glad--I am and that is all--

Stealing a few Moments

Discovered the Alum page of Long Island Lutheran--Found some friends from my class and beyond. Also found some friends of my sisters--Between the 3 of us there is 12+years of connections to that school. In addition to new ones made since graduating and staying connected. I had wished my 2 coould attend LuHi but we live outside the 15 mile transportation zone.

Oldest is a freshman in the local high school and very involved in the music program. In factg today we are going to the local St. Pat's parade in the snow/sleet/rain--and everyone is praying for a lot of snow tonight. He is also singing with the world traveled Concert Choir--they too are performing this morning at a local church. Yes, a public school choir performing in a church and singing sacred music. He is getting a Christian education for my taxpayer dollar! That's a deal. They bring tears to my eyes when I hear them sing--check out janthony37 on Youtube for perforamances and inspiration.

Gotta go--hubby made breakfast for the family--He really is a good egg--funny that's what's on the menu!

Time Issues!

Don't know how much time I'll take to do this entry--but time is ticking!

Seems it ticks a lot and I find more ways to procrastinate.

However, tonight I claimed the computer away from my facebook addicted husband and solved a very difficult SUDUKO puzzle in an hour. I was being a little selfish--HULK has so enjoyed finding his camp friends, but after a day of wondering how I was going to get 2 boys to 3 different events and from performance clothes to scout uniforms and feed everyone I decided I needed to claim my space.

Today was my last day at the Middle School office--If I am lucky I'll get a day or 2 next week before they discover I am free to float to other schools. The house couuld use a little attention.

But I was successful and cooked a healthy meal for the 3rd night in a row! Having a menu does help. Stocked the freezer with great meat and chicken buys I found this week. I am working on creating my own personal cookbook so menus are easier and we try new things. But it seems sweet potato fries will not be making a reappearance. Love them with brown sugar and mashed at the holidays--but when the boys see them otherwise-- YECH!

Enough said--everyone made it to their respective Black History Performance on time--Youngest was the narrator and very nervous--we re-wrote his Duke Ellington introduction last night and he needed to practice this morning. By 6 everyone was at 2 schools with scout uniforms in the car for a quick change. By 7:45 I was on the way home after seeing that all the males of my house were at scouts discussing sports--Oldest was in his glory talking baseball!

Baseball open gym began last week at the HS--Oldest is trying to make the team as a freshman. Cross your fingers--tryouts begin on March 9th!

My mate is now addicted to facebook--loves finding old friends from HS and Camp. It is really great for him and I love hearing him laugh.

Right now I hear snoring and I think I will join him--time is wasting and tomorrow is another day--starting with an 8 am swim class.

GOOD NIGHT--It is also the start of a week with DH home--Gotta honey dew list all ready.

Wish me luck.

All's Quiet or Is It?

Youngest just left and I'm not ready to walk out the door! The house is calm--a mess--but calm.

Really want to stay on the computer--

Today is Crazy Hat and MisMatch Day--Give Middle Schooler this much creativity and who knows what will happen.

So I know this quiet won't continue--Oldsest son complains of a back ache--has for several weeks--is it his bed--or is it from a muscle he pulled in the final week of swim season--or is stressed from laying around too much and devouring the MLB network on cable.--He's off to the chiropractor for a look see!

As for the youngest -- he's a little banged up from a weekend of camping and sledding--fell off 1 too many times, I guess! His knees were sore this morning -- but he had wrestling last night--I think getting pinned and knocked around for 2 hours has something to do with that. Wanted to stay home from school--imagine--I gave him some Advil (Kristin--It's warm here at the moment a hat just wouldn't do!, I still laugh at that comment about your son and the bus)

After school both have projects to finish--

Oldest--an oral presentation on the "Myth of Ham" He's ticked he got the toughest subject in the class--(Personally, I know it means he has to read some things out of his comfort zone and challenge his brain!) By the way it's not anyway related to the ham you eat--goes back to the Curse of Ham in the Bible -- Noah was caught sleeping in the buff and Ham, his son saw him and reported it to his 2 brothers, who snuck in backwards and covered their father--who then woke up and cursed Ham for saying something--somehow this was the reasoning for Southern Christians to enslave the Africans -- because someone determined that Ham meant dark in the ancient languages. And that Ham was the father of the people who populated Africa. Even Mark Twain had his say--So much for my oldest to put together in to a 5 min presentation--

as for the youngest--current events is the order of the day--usually needs a little interpretative help. Currently reading the WIMPY KID diaries and loving it--current events is just boring--although I find the most interesting little tidbits--

As for me--I am beating up the leaders of my cub scout pack--Our Blue & Gold Dinner is next Saturday and the program is no where near planned nor printed! I'm trying desperately to retire from this job-- but keep getting sucked back in!

I suppose it is time to find some wierd hat and go to work!

It won't be quiet for long--Do you think we can get it all done before Survivor--a family favorite????

Updated Pictures!

PINEWOOD DERBY ENTRIES

It's the winning entries in the Outsiders Division! Check out the Hot Dog--DH's pride and joy--and flanked on either side are my boys' entries--

created and painted by themselves.

IS HE A MICHAEL PHELPS IN THE MAKING?

Last IM for the season--He's in shape for Baseball!

It's Super Bowl Time---Till next time--

It's late and I'm still Up!

Really--I have been going to sleep at a reasonable hour lately--like 10! I feel so much better--but tonight--boys were out--Oldest just got home--needed to stay up to make sure he got safely home. I guess this is the start of a new phase in my life--

Today I had computer issues--had to call a friend who took my hard drive to run tests--spent the day making sure the laptop was all up to date--even hooked it up to a printer! VISTA stinks! Took me an hour! Had to find a substitute driver--I'm about at my tech limit--But I managed and I can function while the main computer gets updated and cleaned.

Busy week--Last swim meet of the season for oldest--It was the best one yet--His 200 freestyle relay team took first! What a race--Wish their coach could've seen it. He is scheduled to have a heart valve replaced once his lungs clear--Oldest actually wished his coach was around, and he could say he had easy practices when the lane 5&6 were being worked to death--they all had that treatment. His team experience makes me want to get re-certified and be around the pool again. His team needs to learn how to strech and use their whole body in their strokes and learn how to create a rthym in their swimming. Oldest actually listened to my advice!

It's now the great countdown to baseball season--pray he makes it on to the school team!

Went on a hike today in the Connetquot preserve--beautiful--icy--trail to a now closed trout hatchery--It was cold too! 2 hours later I was frozen--Didn't realize that when we set out for the park that we would be outside so long! Oldest looking for Eagle Project ideas that are out of the ordinary and conservation minded.

Youngest had fun at a Game Night at Church. He too only needed to be picked up at 11! I definitely need to get to sleep.

Oldest trying to stay awake for the Men's Final of the Austrailian Open at 3:30 AM! Crazy!

Time to close and join DH in the dream department--He's got to work all day tomorrow--and we are going to pass the hours until the Super Bowl! Already had the special snack requests--Good day to cook and prepare for the coming week.

And the Winner Is......

It's an annual affair or rather rite of passage--The annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby--This year for the first time the 3 males of my house had the chance to build and race their own cars against each other for the annual right to brag--

Mine are all past Cub Scout age--but the outsiders division allows boys of all ages who refuse to grow up a chance to build and race. It's only a block of wood 7" long--but mold it, sand it and take care with 4 plastic wheels and 4 nails for axles--you have a masterpiece--In this case the OscarMeyer Mobile, a lightening rod and ode to Music car--The youngest of my crew has bragging rights--the Lightening Rod was the fastest.

Now we're home--had dinner out--large sundaes for all--YUM! YUM! But the house is a disaster and it is always the case when there is a large event even out of the house--You would think everything is in order--But No! Can never figure that one out--

Now its time--not to clean--not to put away--but to curl up in warm PJ's and read a book--Tomorrow is another day.

CLEO AT REST!!!

Finally--The written Cleopatra project is done--Had to rewrite--teacher thought the 2 wonder children copied out of a book! How dare she. Now written with a middle school reading level and simple sentences. Pulling teeth with DS2. Now my DS2 and his friend will have to finish the crown and plan their class presentation by themselves--

Last night of Christmas lights--Boo hoo-- I hate putting away Christmas--takes me forever.

Its inventory nightmare week at DH's store--tomorrow he'll leave before sun-up and come home????????? Next day at the store by 5 am!! Next day to another store by 7 pm!!! Saturday --he'll sleep and I'll be taking the boys here there and everywhere.

WHERE IS?

Where is my trumpet?

Where is my swimsuit?

Where is my lunchbox?

Where is my lunch money?

Could you talk to the baseball coach for me because I have swim practice?

Can you move the van? (This one gets me all the time, because I am usually headed into the shower and the last place I want to go is ourside to sit on a cold seat!)

Its back to school and work day! Yeh! Even I have to depart and head to the middle school. Back to scouts and the sports schedules and thanhfully we are all healthy again.

Yes--I mean all--DH really thought he escaped the virus of New Year's--but it sidelined him on Friday night. This time I vacated the room and yet again disinfected everything. We laughed yesterday because he really thought he would escape. He headed to his store to get ready for inventory and probably infected his staff. Yikes!

Heard the alarm of DS2 but there is no movement--time to go and get the next round of where is?